Battery unit for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, with at least one housing unit

Abstract

Battery device (1) for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising at least one housing device (2) for enclosing battery cells (11) in a housing space (12) and at least one connecting device (3) for electrically connecting the battery cells (2) to a component arranged outside the housing space (12) through a housing opening (22) of the housing device (2), wherein the connecting device (3) comprises at least one connecting element (13) arranged in the housing space (12) and at least one sealing device (4) arranged between the connecting element (13) and the housing device (2), characterized by at least one partition unit (5) with a labyrinthine wall arrangement (15) comprising at least one inner element (151) and at least one outer element (152) made of a high-temperature resistant material and thereby,that the sealing device (4) is arranged in a labyrinth space (25) enclosed at least partially by the wall arrangement (15) and is enclosed at least partially radially inwards by the inner element (151) and radially outwards by the outer element (152).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising at least one housing device for enclosing battery cells in a housing space. At least one connecting device serves to electrically connect the battery cells to a component arranged outside the housing space through a housing opening in the housing device. The connecting device comprises at least one connecting element arranged in the housing space. The connecting device comprises at least one sealing device arranged between the connecting element and the housing device.

[0002] For such battery systems, the housing must generally be media-tight, coolant-tight, and often also pressure-tight. This also applies to the electrical connections through which the battery cells in the housing are connected to external components.

[0003] In the event of a malfunction, such as a thermal runaway (or thermal event) of the battery cells, a large amount of gas is usually generated, which must be vented from the housing. The gases are usually vented from the housing space via special openings, which are sealed during normal operation by special sealing elements. For example, DE 10 2018 202 947 A1 shows a battery device with such options for venting in the event of a malfunction.

[0004] However, the housing opening with the connecting device often presents a problem in the event of a malfunction. Gases should be prevented from escaping through this housing opening as much as possible, as these often point toward the passenger compartment due to their function. This is problematic because the sealing device can melt or burn at the high temperatures that occur during a malfunction, allowing the hot gases to escape unhindered.

[0005] A generic battery device is known from WO 2022 / 260408 A1 and US 2009 / 0047574 A1.

[0006] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery device that is improved with regard to the previously discussed problems. In particular, a structurally simple connection device is to be provided that is as well protected as possible against the unwanted escape of hot gases or flames in the event of a malfunction.

[0007] This object is achieved by a battery device having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0008] The battery device according to the invention is intended for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle and, for example, for an electric vehicle and / or hybrid vehicle. The battery device comprises at least one housing device for enclosing battery cells in a housing space. The battery device comprises at least one connecting device for electrically connecting the battery cells to a component arranged outside the housing space through a housing opening in the housing device. The connecting device comprises at least one (in particular electrically conductive) connecting element arranged in the housing space. The connecting device comprises at least one sealing device arranged between the connecting element and the housing device (in particular its housing wall in the area surrounding the housing opening).The battery device comprises at least one partitioning unit with a labyrinth-like wall arrangement comprising at least one inner element and at least one outer element made of a high-temperature-resistant material. The sealing device is arranged in a labyrinth space enclosed at least in sections by the wall arrangement and is enclosed at least in sections radially inward by the inner element and radially outward by the outer element.

[0009] The present invention offers many advantages. The partition unit offers a significant advantage, as it provides a reliable seal with respect to coolant tightness while simultaneously providing secure shielding in the event of a malfunction. The combination of the sealing device and the high-temperature-resistant wall arrangement is also particularly advantageous. This allows the sealing device to be designed independently of the heat shield and, for example, manufactured from a material that is not high-temperature-resistant. This allows a significantly better sealing effect to be achieved than would be possible with a high-temperature-resistant seal at a comparable cost. Furthermore, the wall arrangement reliably protects the sealing device from hot gases, flames, and particles.Should the sealing device melt in the event of a malfunction, the partition unit's labyrinth-like wall arrangement provides reliable sealing in the form of a labyrinth seal, even without the sealing device. Overall, the present invention provides reliable sealing of the housing opening both during normal operation and in the event of a malfunction, while also being inexpensive to manufacture and space-saving.

[0010] The connecting element is preferably firmly and / or tightly connected to the sealing device. The connecting element is connected to the sealing device in particular by being firmly embedded in the sealing device's material during its manufacture and preferably by being injected or overmolded. It is possible for the sealing device to be firmly and / or tightly connected to the wall arrangement. Such embodiments preferably relate to the seal housing of the sealing device.

[0011] It is preferred and advantageous that the housing opening (in the normal operating state) is sealed by the connecting element being in sealed contact with the housing device by means of the sealing device. In particular, the housing opening is sealed in the normal operating state by the interaction of the connecting element with the sealing device. In particular, the connecting element is arranged in the housing space (i.e., in the interior of the housing device) in front of the housing opening and covers the entire opening cross-section there, preferably projecting beyond the opening cross-section. In particular, the section of the connecting element projecting beyond the housing opening is in sealed contact with the housing device by means of the sealing device.

[0012] It is also preferred and advantageous that, in the event of a malfunction-related failure of the sealing device, gases (and thus also flames or particles) originating from the housing space can only pass through the labyrinth space between the wall arrangement and the housing device. In other words, the gases can preferably only escape from the housing opening by passing between the wall arrangement and the housing device, having previously passed through the labyrinth space.

[0013] In a particularly preferred and advantageous embodiment, the wall arrangement has at least one spacer. The spacer preferably extends between the connecting element and the housing device. The spacer preferably prevents electrical contact between the connecting element and the housing device in a form-fitting manner. As a result, even if the sealing device is lost, no contact can occur between the housing device and the connecting element. In particular, the spacer is formed integrally with the wall arrangement. In particular, the spacer is made of a high-temperature-resistant material. The spacer can also be formed separately from the wall arrangement and in particular from the inner element and / or outer element.

[0014] According to the invention, the wall arrangement comprises at least one inner element and at least one outer element. According to the invention, the sealing device is at least partially enclosed radially inwardly by the inner element and radially outwardly by the outer element. In particular, the wall arrangement, preferably its inner element and outer element, and the sealing device are arranged coaxially with one another. The sealing device is arranged between the inner element and the outer element.

[0015] In particular, the inner element and / or the outer element each have at least one radial wall and at least one transverse wall extending transversely to the radial wall. In particular, the labyrinth space is arranged between the inner element and the outer element. In particular, the connecting element is arranged at least partially between the inner element and the outer element.

[0016] The wall arrangement, in particular the inner element and / or the outer element, preferably extends into the housing opening and is there enclosed in particular radially by the housing device.

[0017] Preferably, the sealing device is enclosed either by the housing device or by the connecting element where it is not enclosed by the wall arrangement. This provides particularly secure partitioning of the sealing device. In particular, the sealing device is completely partitioned by the wall arrangement and the housing device (or a housing wall of the housing device) and the connecting element.

[0018] It is advantageous and preferred that the labyrinth chamber be at least partially free in the event of an accident-related failure of the sealing device and serve to collect hot gases and / or particles. This allows the gases and particles to cool down while simultaneously preventing them from flowing upward toward the passenger compartment.

[0019] In an advantageous development, the connecting element extends into the labyrinth space. Preferably, the connecting element is thereby positively prevented from leaving the labyrinth space. In particular, the labyrinth space provides an undercut in which a portion of the connecting element is received.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, a high-temperature-resistant material is understood to mean, in particular, a material that is resistant to the temperatures expected in the event of a malfunction of the battery device. The sealing device is, in particular, not made of a high-temperature-resistant material. The connecting element can be made of a high-temperature-resistant material. Failure of the sealing device is, in particular, melting and / or burning of the sealing device.

[0021] In particular, the sealing device is arranged entirely within the labyrinth space. In particular, the partition unit provides the labyrinth space. The partition unit can also be referred to as a labyrinth seal. In particular, the labyrinth space is at least partially, and in particular completely, filled by the sealing device and the connecting element in the normal operating state.

[0022] The connecting element serves, in particular, to electrically contact an array of battery cells, in particular via a busbar or the like. The sealing device and / or the wall device are, in particular, non-electrically conductive and preferably have the properties of an electrical insulator. In particular, the sealing device and / or the wall device insulate the connecting element from the housing device.

[0023] The sealing device preferably comprises at least one sealing means and at least one sealing housing surrounding the sealing means. The sealing means, in particular, bears sealingly against the housing device. In particular, the sealing housing is firmly and / or tightly connected to the connecting element. In particular, the sealing housing is firmly and / or tightly connected to the wall arrangement.

[0024] In particular, in the event of a failure of the sealing device due to a malfunction, the labyrinth space can only be reached via an access point between the wall arrangement and the housing arrangement. In particular, the wall arrangement has at least one access point to the labyrinth space, which is closed by the sealing device and / or the connecting device in the normal operational state. In particular, an access point closed by the sealing device is at least partially opened in the event of a malfunction due to the failure of the sealing device. In particular, an access point to the labyrinth space closed by the connecting device remains closed even in the event of a malfunction. In particular, at least one access point is closed by the sealing device and at least one other access point is closed by the connecting device. In particular, all access points to the labyrinth space are closed in the normal operational state.

[0025] It is possible that the connecting element is firmly and / or tightly connected to the wall arrangement. It is also possible that the connecting element and / or the sealing device are loosely arranged on the wall arrangement. In particular, no contact seal is provided between the connecting element and the wall arrangement. If the connecting element is arranged in the labyrinth space, the labyrinth seal in particular is available in the event of a failure of the sealing device. It is possible that no contact seal is provided between the sealing device and the wall arrangement. If the sealing element is arranged in the labyrinth space, the labyrinth seal in particular is available in the event of a failure of the sealing device.

[0026] In particular, the wall arrangement extends in sections along the housing device. In particular, no contact seal is provided between the wall arrangement and the housing device. In particular, the partition unit seals by means of the labyrinth-like wall arrangement in the manner of a labyrinth seal. This ensures continued effective sealing even if the sealing device is destroyed. In particular, the wall arrangement extends in sections along an inner side of the housing device facing the housing space. In particular, the wall arrangement protrudes in sections into the housing space.

[0027] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0028] The figures show: Fig. 1 a purely schematic representation of a battery device according to the invention in a sectional side view; Fig. 2 a detailed view of the battery device of the Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a detailed view of the battery device of the Fig. 1 in the event of an incident.

[0029] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a battery device 1 according to the invention with a housing device 2, in whose housing space 12 battery cells 11 arranged in two stacks are accommodated. A connecting device 3 is provided for electrically connecting the battery cells 2 to a component (not shown in detail here) outside the housing space 12. The connecting device 3 has an electrically conductive connecting element 13 arranged in the housing space 12. The connecting element 13 is in this case contacted by a busbar 23, to which the battery cells 11 are connected. The connecting element 13 is arranged in the housing space 12 in such a way that it can be reached through a housing opening 22.

[0030] To prevent media, such as a coolant for direct cooling of the battery cells 11, from escaping from the housing space 12, a sealing device 4 is provided. This device comprises a sealing housing 14 and a sealing means 24 (e.g., a sealing ring) arranged thereon. The sealing device 4 is made of an electrically non-conductive material, such as a plastic.

[0031] The connecting element 13 is firmly connected to the seal housing 14 and, for example, overmolded in its material. As a result, the connecting element 13 and the seal housing 14 are sealed against one another. The seal housing 14, in turn, is sealed to the housing device 2 via the sealant 24. The housing opening 22 is thus tightly closed by the seal device 4 and the connecting element 13. The connecting element 13 extends into the labyrinth space 25 and is received therein in a form-fitting manner in the manner of an undercut.

[0032] During operation of the battery device 1, there is a risk that one of the battery cells 11 may emit gas due to a fault, resulting in a malfunction. Hot gases can escape from the battery cell 11 and accumulate in the housing space 12. In combination with oxygen, flames can form. The heat effect 6 occurring during the malfunction is symbolized here by lightning. The flow of the gases or particles is indicated by arrows.

[0033] To protect the sealing device 4 from the heat 6, a partition unit 5 is provided with a labyrinth-like wall arrangement 15 made of a high-temperature-resistant material. The wall arrangement 15 here comprises an inner element 151 and an outer element 152, between which a labyrinth space 25 is formed. This provides a labyrinth seal 45.

[0034] The sealing device 4 is arranged entirely within the labyrinth space 25 and is enclosed radially inwardly and radially outwardly by the inner element 151 and outer element 152, respectively. Furthermore, where the sealing device is not enclosed by the wall arrangement 15, it is securely enclosed by the housing wall of the housing device 2 or the connecting element 13.

[0035] As in the Fig.3, increasing exposure to heat 6 can lead to failure, for example melting or burning of the sealing device 4. As a result, the housing opening 22 is no longer sealed by the sealing device 4. In order to nevertheless prevent the escape of hot gases and glowing particles, the partitioning unit 5 is provided here. This, together with the now partially free labyrinth space 25, provides a collecting space for the hot gases and particles so that they cannot escape unhindered. The gases or particles can only leave the housing space 12 via the housing device 22 if they pass between the wall arrangement 15 and the housing device 2. To do so, they must necessarily pass through the labyrinth space 25. In addition, the gases or particles are further deflected, since the inner element 151 extends into the housing opening 22 here.

[0036] To prevent an electrical short circuit between the connecting element 13 and the housing device 2 in the event of melting of the sealing device 4, the wall arrangement 15 is equipped with a spacer 35. This spacer extends in the labyrinth space 25 between the connecting element 13 and the housing device 2. List of reference symbols: 1 battery device 2 Housing equipment 3 Connecting device 4 Sealing device 5 Isolation unit 6 Exposure to heat 11 battery cells 12 Housing space 13 Connecting element 14 Seal housing 15 Wall arrangement 22 Housing opening 23 Busbar 24 sealants 25 Labyrinth Room 35 spacers 45 Labyrinth seal 151 interior element 152 exterior element

Claims

[1] Battery device (1) for an at least partially electrically driven motor vehicle, comprising at least one housing device (2) for enclosing battery cells (11) in a housing space (12) and at least one connecting device (3) for electrically connecting the battery cells (2) to a component arranged outside the housing space (12) through a housing opening (22) of the housing device (2), wherein the connecting device (3) comprises at least one connecting element (13) arranged in the housing space (12) and at least one sealing device (4) arranged between the connecting element (13) and the housing device (2), characterized byat least one partitioning unit (5) with a labyrinth-like wall arrangement (15) comprising at least one inner element (151) and at least one outer element (152) made of a high-temperature-resistant material, and in that the sealing device (4) is arranged in a labyrinth space (25) which is at least partially enclosed by the wall arrangement (15) and is at least partially enclosed radially inwardly by the inner element (151) and radially outwardly by the outer element (152). [2] Battery device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting element (13) is tightly connected to the sealing device (4). [3] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing opening (22) is sealed in that the connecting element (13) bears against the housing device (2) in a sealed manner by means of the sealing device (4). [4] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the event of a failure of the sealing device (4) due to an accident, gases originating from the housing space (12) can only pass through the labyrinth space (25) between the wall arrangement (15) and the housing device (2). [5] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall arrangement (15) comprises at least one spacer (35) which extends between the connecting element (13) and the housing device (2) and positively prevents electrical contact between the connecting element (13) and the housing device (2). [6] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall arrangement (15), in particular its inner element (151), extends into the housing opening (22) and is radially enclosed there by the housing device (2). [7] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device (4) is enclosed by the housing device (2) or the connecting element (13) where it is not enclosed by the wall arrangement (15). [8] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the labyrinth space (25) is at least partially free after an accident-related failure of the sealing device (4) and serves to collect hot gases and particles. [9] Battery device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (13) extends into the labyrinth space (25) and is preferably prevented from leaving the labyrinth space (25) by a form-fitting manner.

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